Scottie Pippen’s son gets big promotion from his NBA team

Jan 27, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (2) drives to the basket against the Florida Gators during the first half at Billy Donovan Court at Exactech Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Scotty Pippen Jr. is slowly climbing the ranks.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Tuesday that the Memphis Grizzlies have signed Pippen Jr. to a standard multi-year NBA contract. That represents a big promotion for Pippen Jr., who had previously been on a two-way contract with Memphis and now gets upped to a guaranteed deal.

The 23-year-old Pippen Jr. is the son of Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and ex-wife Larsa. He played his college ball at Vanderbilt but went undrafted in 2022.

While Pippen Jr, who is represented by agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, is undersized at 6-foot-1 and got waived by the Los Angeles Lakers last year, he has impressed ever since joining the Grizzlies. He was pressed into action on the NBA roster due to the rash of injuries that Memphis dealt with last season and averaged 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in 21 appearances. Pippen Jr. was also a stud in the G League, averaging 20.7 points per game over the last two regular seasons.

All things considered, this is a nice come-up for the younger Pippen, who had some awkwardness at his last NBA stop but has found a real home with the Grizzlies.